Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by reducing energy costs as well as increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their property and improve their living condition without the need to relocate.
Exterior casings that are loose or rotting should be repaired as soon as is possible. They are usually an indication of moisture intrusion and can be repaired with minimal cost.
Broken or cracked glass
If the glass in your windows has cracked or shattered, you're probably wondering whether you can fix it or if you'll need to buy a replacement. The answer will depend on a lot of factors, including the severity of the damage, what caused it, and what kind of glass is used in your windows.
Most of the time, a cracked or broken window can be repaired rather than replaced. The trick is to pinpoint what caused the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is especially important in the case of break-ups from impact like those caused by a lawnmower or a child's ball.
Take out any pieces of the window that are still within its frame or lying on the floor. This should be done while wearing sturdy work gloves and a pair of protective eyewear. Use a chisel, or a knife to gently remove any glazing that is holding the pieces in position.
After you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a safe manner. Wear protective gloves and closed toe shoes when handling glass or mirrors, as these can be very sharp. You can also create a cordon around an area, shut the door, and inform your family members not to go into the room until the broken pieces of glass have been cleaned.
It's also a good idea to check the condition of the frame as well as muntins or mullions that are used to support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust could cause damage to these parts, which could cause further problems for the windows.
If you're worried about the long-term damage to your window, you should look into replacing the window with glass that is tempered. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, and breaks into smaller pieces of granular material that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injuries.
If door and window doctor are not confident in tackling the job yourself, or it is more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional assist with repairs or replacement. Window and door doctors are adept at fixing or replacing doors and windows that are damaged from vandalism, storms, or other occurrences. They can also assist you to decide between a quick fix or a more extensive window replacement.
Damaged Frame
The window frame endures a lot of wear and wear and tear, which is why it's no surprise that it gets damaged at times. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more serious and need to be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
Wood rot around windows can be unattractive and cause many issues like mold and fungus. This can negatively impact your home's health and value. To remedy this issue remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the decayed wood with a chisel or a saw. After removing the damaged frame part you can buy an entire kit from a hardware shop or online that includes all the tools and parts needed to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in window framing are another common issue that should be addressed immediately. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs or releases moisture. If the wood cracks, it allows moisture to seep into your home, which could be damaging to the structure of your home as well as your possessions and even the health of your family.
Inability to open or close the window is a common issue that could have different reasons. It could be due to a buildup of dust or dirt which makes it more difficult for the sash to move, or the frame itself could have suffered some type of structural damage that has impacted its ability to properly open and close.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage could be so severe that a total replacement of the window is the only option. Based on the policy of your insurance you may be able to file a claim to cover repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are the last layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can cause damage to windows. They also help to maintain an ideal temperature inside and lower energy costs. So, if your window seal is starting to fail or you've noticed an abrupt increase in your energy bills it's essential to get the issue addressed immediately before it gets worse.
No matter if your windows are a single or double pane, the glass within them is held in place by an inner aluminum spacer and polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. Over time, temperature cycling in the Phoenix sunshine can cause the material to break down allowing air and humidity to seep between the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value can also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is the reason why windows with broken seals will become brittle.
If you believe that the seals on your windows aren't working it is recommended to adhere to the instructions for maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This might seem like a straightforward task however, it's something most homeowners ignore. Cleaning your windows regularly using the cleaning agent suggested will prolong the lifespan of your windows and keep them working at their peak.
A drafty feeling is a sign that your window seal is failing, especially during an icy winter day. This is because the warm air in your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than normal without an explanation Your windows could let in too much cold air.
The presence of water between the glass panes of your windows is another sign that your seals are failing. This moisture can be an elongated line of clear water or a perpetual haze that interferes with your view. Moisture between glass is caused by an infiltration breach that occurs when the window seal is damaged. This can be repaired by resealing using polyurethane to seal the inner aluminum spacer.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
The wood strips used to separate the panes of single-pane glass can be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts can usually repair them. They will remove the glass, clean and scrape the area, then rebuild any broken or rotted muntins or mullions. This is usually a cheaper alternative than replacing a complete window.
Often, the less obvious issues are overlooked. While damage to your frame may be evident from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as evident. For instance, a crack in the drip cap (the piece of metal that caps the top of the frame) could allow moisture to enter the home, which can lead to mold, rot, and even insect infestation. A broken sash cord can cause draughts and rattles when the window is shut or opened.
A window that has a leak or that is causing draughts can be expensive to repair particularly when the water seeps into the wall. It is important to have any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by faulty hinges on old windows, or by badly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is loose, cracked, rotting or missing entirely, it will need to be replaced. This is not a job that can be done by a non-professional. The surrounding wall may be in bad condition and should be repaired. It's not just ugly, but it also allows moisture and air to get into the home. This can reduce energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing available at most home centers or low-maintenance vinyl PVC products. They are more resistant to weather than wood, and will not need to be painted as often to maintain the integrity. All replacement casings need to be painted using exterior grade paint, regardless of the material.